Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love

SunKobukuro

Kobukuro “Sun” (Gyudonzu)

It’s Kobukuro’s fifth single, released on July 10, 2002.

As Kobuchi says, it was a distinctive up-tempo song at a time when they mostly did ballads.

The model for the song was Kobuchi himself, who admits he used to fall easily for transfer students.

It’s a bittersweet yet forward-looking track.

The world calls it love.Sambomasutā

Sambomaster “The World Calls It Love” Charity Concert

Sambomaster’s “The World Calls That Love” is a classic that needs no introduction.

It’s also known as the theme song for the popular TV drama “Train Man” and became a huge hit.

The melody is punk and seems far removed from sorrow, but in fact the lyrics tell a very bittersweet unrequited love story.

ONE DAYZa Rūzudoggusu

ONE DAY The Loose Dogs

This is The Loose Dogs’ seventh single, released on March 5, 2008.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Major.

It’s a song that poignantly sings of an unrequited love.

It’s a wonderful track, so please give it a listen.

Tokimeki Part 1supittsu

Spitz / Tokimeki Part 1

A song whose bittersweet melody overflows with longing and resonates in the heart.

It’s included on Spitz’s album “Himitsu Studio,” released in May 2023, and was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Water Flows Toward the Sea.” The lyrics vividly capture the quickening pulse of first love and the candid feelings of young people in love.

The emotion of “Every time we meet it hurts, yet I want to see you again” beautifully expresses the poignant ache of unrequited love that everyone has experienced.

It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love but also for adults who feel nostalgic for their youth.

The more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself overlaying it with your own experiences.

“Kyun”Kanae

Kyun Kanae with Gonpepe

This is Kanae’s sixth single, released on May 26, 1999.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo.” It’s a song with very deep lyrics and a melody that really resonates.

Please give it a listen.

Time after time ~In the town where flowers dance~Kuraki Mai

Time after time ~In the City Where Flowers Dance~ / Mai Kuraki [With Lyrics] 'Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital' Theme Song Covered by GBG

This is Mai Kuraki’s 15th single, released on March 5, 2003.

It was the theme song for the animated film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital.

At the time, Kuraki was a student at Ritsumeikan University and attended the Kinugasa Campus.

The beauty of Kyoto is woven throughout the song.

My nostalgiaNasu Asako

Asako Nasu “My Nostalgia” 2013/11/12

This is Asako Nasu’s major-label debut single, released on October 23, 2013.

Nasu made her debut as a promising newcomer.

The name “Nasu” is her mother’s maiden name.

She has a clear and gentle singing voice.